The Living River Trust began when The Elizabeth River Project recognized a need for more mitigation alternatives to offset impacts to the Elizabeth River bottom. The Trust was established in 2004 (as the Elizabeth River Restoration Trust) when the Norfolk District of the Corps of Engineers and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, along with the Trust’s independent board, reached agreement on operating guidelines. The Elizabeth River Project helped set up the Trust and is providing contracted support, as needed, for start-up projects. The Living River Trust is governed by its own Board of Trustees and has a long-term goal of establishing its own support services. In 2010, the Trust added a second focus, becoming the only locally based land trust in the Elizabeth River watershed. Our niche is smaller urban parcels that may not be of value to state and national land trusts. In our urban watershed, open space is rare and important! Contact us to discuss benefits that may be available for long-term conservation of your natural area.
